USA Health acquires new system to treat liver tumors with non-invasive technology
Histotripsy is a transformative therapy that uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy liver tumors without incisions, needles or long recovery times.
By Carol McPhail
[email protected]
USA Health today announced the acquisition of the Edison® histotripsy system, becoming the first health system in Alabama and one of fewer than 100 nationwide, to offer the groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment for liver tumors.
Histotripsy is a transformative therapy that uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy liver tumors without incisions, needles or long recovery times. The Edison system, developed by HistoSonics, delivers image-guided, personalized treatments using proprietary sonic beam therapy that targets tumors with millimeter precision in a single outpatient procedure.
“This is more than just a medical breakthrough; it’s a paradigm shift,” said Josh Snow, MSHA, CEO of University Hospital, where the new system will be housed. “The Edison system gives us a new path to care — noninvasive, image-guided therapy with minimal recovery time. For patients with limited treatment options, this can make a life-changing difference.”
During a news conference announcing the acquisition, University of South Alabama President Jo Bonner emphasized the significance of the new technology: “Histotripsy is a dramatic leap forward in noninvasive therapy,” he said. “This investment reflects the core of USA Health’s mission — advancing research, medical education, and patient care across Alabama and beyond. We are profoundly grateful to the USA Foundation for its unwavering support that has made today’s milestone possible.”
The acquisition was made possible through philanthropic support from the USA Foundation. Maxey Roberts, managing director of the foundation, said, “When the foundation board learned about histotripsy, we saw not just a technological innovation but a way to extend lives and reduce suffering. We are proud to help bring this vision to life for our state and region.”
Histotripsy works by creating high-amplitude, short-duration ultrasound pulses that form a “bubble cloud” within a tumor. These bubbles mechanically break apart targeted tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Because it avoids radiation and heat, and does not involve surgery, histotripsy significantly reduces the risk of complications.
“From a surgical standpoint, this is revolutionary,” said William O. Richards, M.D., chair of surgery at USA Health. “We now have a noninvasive way to treat tumors that were previously considered inoperable. Patients can continue other therapies like chemotherapy and anticoagulation medication without interruption, and we reduce complications like infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding tissues and long recovery times.”
Suzy Figarola, M.D., chair of radiology, said the system’s real-time imaging and precision are among its most promising features. “Our teams will be able to use ultrasound imaging to guide and monitor treatment in real time, ensuring complete and accurate tumor destruction. For many patients, this offers a safer, more hopeful treatment path.”
USA Health’s histotripsy program is part of a broader mission to bring the most advanced, research-backed technologies to the people of Alabama and the Gulf Coast region. To learn more about histotripsy at USA Health, visit www.usahealthsystem.com/services/histotripsy.
